The wonder flower that is drought resistant.
Daylilies are often described as the “perfect perennial” plant, due to a number of beneficial qualities including their short lifespan per flower, their vibrant colours, and an incredible immunity to drought.
The flowers will mostly only bloom for around 24 hours, and as one flower dies another will grow in its place. They generally bloom from June-July, however reblooming daylilies may produce a second set of buds, prolonging the plants life. It is possible to grow an exact replica of a parent plant, by planting proliferations which grow on some types of daylilies. Hybrids between two parent plants can also be created, which has led to over 71,000 variates of daylilies registered currently. Hybridizers have been able create many different shades of the daylily, moving away from the traditional orange, yellow and pinks, to more vibrant colours such as reds, near-blacks and green tones.
However the most impressive trait of the daylily is it’s ability to survive during deep droughts once established. It will continue to bloom day after day without ever needing to be watered. They can also thrive in full sunlight and need very little care, making them ideal for those with busy lifestyles who still want a beautiful garden. The greek, Hemerocallis, is the plants scientific name, and means “beauty for a day.”
Lasting Dreams Daylilies in New York, USA grow fields upon fields of these vibrant blooms, with over 1000 varieties on the farm. Anyone can choose from their catalogue, or simply walk through their fields and choose whichever flowers you like. Carol Haj, owner of the farm, said, “All the plants live on my property for a year before I sell them. They go through the winter. I’ve got to be sure they’re going to bloom for you and grow for you.” She intends to grow more superior plants with each generation, hoping to create her own variety which she can then register.
Surprisingly, some species of daylilies are also edible, and are used in Chinese cuisine, however some may also be toxic so care must be taken.